Oyetola participated in a high-level panel discussion on the blue economy, according to a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
The minister spoke on the topic, “Blue Economy: Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorisation,” during the summit themed “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.”
According to the statement, Oyetola highlighted measures being implemented by the Federal Government to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
He cited the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023 as part of deliberate efforts to reposition the sector for sustainable growth.
“Since its establishment, the ministry has recorded notable milestones, including the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, designed to provide a strategic framework for sustainable sectoral growth,” Oyetola said.
He also disclosed that agencies under the ministry generated N1.83 trillion in revenue during the 2025 fiscal year.
The minister further revealed that the Federal Government had approved a comprehensive port modernisation and upgrade programme aimed at attracting larger vessels and creating more employment opportunities within the maritime sector.
According to him, the ongoing modernisation drive is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s status as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Oyetola noted that the summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to discuss innovation, economic growth and strategic partnerships across the continent.
The panel session also featured France’s Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other maritime stakeholders from different African countries.
The summit was co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, with President Bola Tinubu also attending the event alongside other African leaders.
Oyetola described the gathering as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement marking a new phase in Africa-France relations.
He added that the summit was particularly notable as the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.
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